Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood wants to see their homegrown talent given a chance.

Both Andros Townsend and Nabil Bentaleb have been regular members of the senior squad this season, with Townsend aiming to secure a place in England's World Cup squad. Sherwood also believes Jake Livermore and Tom Carroll, on loan at Hull and Queens Park Rangers respectively, could prosper at the highest level, as well as Harry Kane, who is expected to be given opportunities by Sherwood in the final six matches of the campaign.

He said: "Irrespective of whether I'm here or not, those players are Premier League footballers and deserve a chance to play at the highest level, whether it's here or elsewhere.

"Jake has played a number of games for Hull, I'm sure they're very keen to keep him and I'm sure other people would like to take him as well, but he's our player and a decision will be made at the end of the season.

"If these players are given time and brought through in the right way alongside the right experienced players, they've certainly got a future at a top club - if they're given a fair crack.

"I was developed at Watford so I know what it's all about. Giving someone an opportunity does not mean sending them on when the fourth official is putting the stoppage-time board up and saying: 'Go on, change the game.'

"Sometimes you have to be put in and brought out. You need opportunities to play poorly, and then play better, and then better still. You can't write someone off because he's not the best player to begin with. Everyone should have an equal opportunity."